86. Breaking Down Barriers to Change Laws in Arizona with Emily Anne Gullickson

Arizona is a national leader in education reform, having recently passed one of the most robust education reform bills in the nation. The goal? To showcase that seat time does not equate quality learning. Instead, thanks to HB 2862, the state recognizes that instructional time can look vastly different depending on the students’ needs. Imagine that!

This and so much more was possible thanks to the work of Emily Anne Gullickson, CEO of A for Arizona, a nonprofit with a vision to build an education system that prepares every student to succeed in the global economy and contribute to local communities.

In this episode, we talk about the inequities in education today, how schools are taking the learnings from the pandemic and creating new ways to teach and learn, barriers to education because of student access, and so much more.

This is a refreshing conversation about an organization that’s making a big difference in lives and laws. It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to create viable solutions to the challenge that is education today.

Emily Anne brings to A for Arizona a unique background of executive, advocacy, legal, and teaching experience as a Teach For America – Phoenix alumna. She is the founder and CEO of A For Arizona and also leads sister organization Great Leaders Strong Schools. Emily Anne was recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times and state Capitol community as Leader of the Year in Education and Best Activist in the State of Arizona, and was recently recognized in Arizona as Best Political Rising Star, Women Achievers of Arizona – Nonprofit Leader, and Breakdown Breakout for being one of the sharpest political minds in Arizona under 40. Nationally, Emily Anne serves on the PIE Network Leadership Council and was recently recognized amongst her peers as a finalist for Breakout Advocate of the Year and Gamechanger Policy of the Year.

• [4:03] Introducing Emily Anne
• [5:08] Where school transformation began for Emily Anne
• [6:12] Policy with good intentions - the impact on schools
• [7:35] What would happen if we built policy around high performing, innovative schools in high poverty communities
• [9:51] Expanding access for next-generation leaders
• [10:27] Engaging businesses to improve access
• [12:17] Bringing geometry to life
• [13:25] HB 2862 - seat time flexibility and innovation
• [17:09] Innovation zones
• [18:53] Some schools are running with change
• [20:56] Barriers to dismantle
• [25:23] Benefits of micro-schools: the relationship aspect
• [26:56] It doesn’t have to be either-or
• [28:09] Barriers of transportation to student access - beyond the bus driver shortage
• [33:53] how others can begin to engage the government and change laws
• [36:46] What’s your biggest hurdle to serve families and how can you get past it
• [40:30] Turbo Time
• [45:05] What you need to know about educational policy making
• [46:36] Emily Anne’s Magic Wand
• [49:53] Maureen’s Takeaways

Links & Resources

• A for Arizona
• Carnegie units
• VELA Education Fund
• A Fine Line: How Most American Kids are Kept Out of the Best Public Schools by Tim DeRoch 
• TED talk: Brene Brown’s The Power of Vulnerability
• Email Maureen
• Maureen’s TEDx: Changing My Mind to Change Our Schools
• The Education Evolution
• Facebook: Follow Education Evolution
• Twitter: Follow Education Evolution
• LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution
• EdActive Collective
• Maureen’s book: Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids
• Micro-school feature on Good Morning America
• The Micro-School Coalition
• Facebook: The Micro-School Coalition
• LEADPrep